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Redtooth Triggerfish, Odonus niger

One of the really beautiful fishes collected at the Reef Islands was the Redtooth Triggerfish, Odonus niger. The species is recognised by its red teeth, blue to purple-blue background colour, blue margins to the second dorsal, anal and caudal fins, elevated anterior portion of the second dorsal and anal fins, lunate tail shape with long lobes in adults and about seven rows of spines mostly on the posterior half of the body.

The Redtooth Triggerfish grows to a maximum total length of 40 cm. It is found throughout the Indo-Pacific and feeds mostly on zooplankton.